Latest News

FABI Researchers Study Fungi Associated with Pine Bark Beetles in South Africa
FABI Researchers Study Fungi Associated with Pine Bark Beetles in South Africa For many years, FABI researchers have actively studied the fungi associated with conifer infesting bark and ambrosia beetles in South Africa and elsewhere in the world. As part of a new initiative to gain a better understanding of these fungi in South Africa, FABI’s Dr Nam Pham, Nomaswazi Maseko, together with MSc student Nadia Gürtel, recently established pine log and pheromone traps in SAPPI’s Ngodwana plantation. The traps were established with the assistance of SAPPI’s Prof. Jolanda Roux (who has an extraordinary appointment in FABI), Katharine

Mondi Helps Büromodel to Cut Operational Packing Costs by 20%
Mondi Helps Büromodel to Cut Operational Packing Costs by 20% Furniture manufacturer Büromodel partnered with Mondi to optimise its packaging for shipping acoustic office cabins across Europe and beyond. Facing operational inefficiencies and safety concerns with wooden packaging, the company sought a more effective and reliable solution. Mondi worked closely with Büromodel to develop a tailored corrugated packaging concept aligned with its operational needs. The challenge: replacing inefficient and high-risk

Talking Timber webinar – Fire and Timber
Talking Timber webinar – Fire and Timber Fire safety remains one of the most important considerations in the design and adoption of timber buildings. This webinar brings together two experts to explore the relationship between timber and fire from complementary perspectives. The first presentation examines how timber behaves in fire and the engineering principles that underpin safe structural design. The second presentation focuses on fire resistance testing, fire door performance,

How Can Food and FMCG Brands Prepare for the Future of Packaging?
How Can Food and FMCG Brands Prepare for the Future of Packaging? The food and Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sectors are undergoing significant change. New sustainability regulations, evolving consumer behaviour and expectations, digital technologies, like artificial intelligence, and increasing packaging requirements are transforming how products are packaged, marketed and delivered. To help businesses adapt, Mondi works with food manufacturers, brands and retailers to develop packaging solutions that support compliance, innovation

Established Magoebaskloof Sawmill Operation Presents Rare Acquisition Opportunity
Established Magoebaskloof Sawmill Operation Presents Rare Acquisition Opportunity A unique opportunity has become available to acquire an established and fully operational sawmilling and timber processing facility located in the heart of one of South Africa’s recognised timber-growing regions. This going concern offers an ideal opportunity for an existing sawmiller looking to expand capacity, an industry investor seeking an established timber processing operation, or an entrepreneur wanting to enter the timber

Two FABI Team Members Shortlisted for South Africa’s ‘Science Oscars’
Two FABI Team Members Shortlisted for South Africa’s ‘Science Oscars’ The NSTF-South32 Awards, are referred to as the ‘Science Oscars’ of South Africa, recognising outstanding contributions to science, engineering and technology (SET) and innovation by individuals, teams and organisations in South Africa. They are the largest, most comprehensive, and sought-after national awards. This year sees 217 nominees being shortlisted in 15 categories including three FABIans. FABI Director, Prof. Bernard Slippers

When The Smoke Clears
When The Smoke Clears Why post-fire recovery is about more than clean-up Wildfires (veld fires) don’t begin with dramatic flames racing across the landscape. They start quietly, with a single spark or ember, igniting dry grass, overgrown vegetation, or accumulated debris – all fuel just waiting for the right conditions. And while landowners know that the best firefighting tool is good preparation to reduce impact, nature still plays a

FABI Researchers Study Fungi Associated with Pine Bark Beetles in South Africa
FABI Researchers Study Fungi Associated with Pine Bark Beetles in South Africa For many years, FABI researchers have actively studied the fungi associated with conifer infesting bark and ambrosia beetles in South Africa and elsewhere in the world. As part of a new initiative to gain a better understanding of these fungi in South Africa, FABI’s Dr Nam Pham, Nomaswazi Maseko, together with MSc student Nadia Gürtel, recently established pine

Mondi Helps Büromodel to Cut Operational Packing Costs by 20%
Mondi Helps Büromodel to Cut Operational Packing Costs by 20% Furniture manufacturer Büromodel partnered with Mondi to optimise its packaging for shipping acoustic office cabins across Europe and beyond. Facing operational inefficiencies and safety concerns with wooden packaging, the company sought a more effective and reliable solution. Mondi worked closely with Büromodel to develop a tailored corrugated packaging concept aligned with its operational needs. The challenge: replacing inefficient and high-risk

Talking Timber webinar – Fire and Timber
Talking Timber webinar – Fire and Timber Fire safety remains one of the most important considerations in the design and adoption of timber buildings. This webinar brings together two experts to explore the relationship between timber and fire from complementary perspectives. The first presentation examines how timber behaves in fire and the engineering principles that underpin safe structural design. The second presentation focuses on fire resistance testing, fire door performance,

How Can Food and FMCG Brands Prepare for the Future of Packaging?
How Can Food and FMCG Brands Prepare for the Future of Packaging? The food and Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sectors are undergoing significant change. New sustainability regulations, evolving consumer behaviour and expectations, digital technologies, like artificial intelligence, and increasing packaging requirements are transforming how products are packaged, marketed and delivered. To help businesses adapt, Mondi works with food manufacturers, brands and retailers to develop packaging solutions that support compliance, innovation

Established Magoebaskloof Sawmill Operation Presents Rare Acquisition Opportunity
Established Magoebaskloof Sawmill Operation Presents Rare Acquisition Opportunity A unique opportunity has become available to acquire an established and fully operational sawmilling and timber processing facility located in the heart of one of South Africa’s recognised timber-growing regions. This going concern offers an ideal opportunity for an existing sawmiller looking to expand capacity, an industry investor seeking an established timber processing operation, or an entrepreneur wanting to enter the timber

Two FABI Team Members Shortlisted for South Africa’s ‘Science Oscars’
Two FABI Team Members Shortlisted for South Africa’s ‘Science Oscars’ The NSTF-South32 Awards, are referred to as the ‘Science Oscars’ of South Africa, recognising outstanding contributions to science, engineering and technology (SET) and innovation by individuals, teams and organisations in South Africa. They are the largest, most comprehensive, and sought-after national awards. This year sees 217 nominees being shortlisted in 15 categories including three FABIans. FABI Director, Prof. Bernard Slippers






















































